posted 11-09-2014 06:09 PM
I'm working on a short film that I hope to later turn into a feature, and I figured I'd mention it here — you all seem like you might be interested in this.

I've been a space fan since the Gemini days, and I would have been since Mercury if I'd been old enough to realize what was going on, and in fact a lot of what we're using as references for set and prop items are photos from collectSPACE.com.

A deadly flu pandemic strikes Earth as a team of astronauts work on the moon. A solar storm wipes out communications and an injury forces them to leave for Earth "in the blind," not knowing what to expect back home.

What's unusual about this film, especially for an independent short film, is the level of realism we're trying to achieve. We have some plans for simulating zero-g by using a rotating spacecraft set (rotated between shots, so that what was up is now down or left or right, etc.), along with some other tricks. We'll also be simulating the one sixth gravity on the moon, something I don't believe I've ever seen another film attempt.

We're also working to make the spacecraft set realistic. The instrument panels are based on those found in spacecraft from Mercury through the space shuttle. Not exact, but based on them. Some will even be interactive so that when the actors press a button, something will happen.

It's ambitious, yes, but it would be cheating if it weren't.

The website has links to photos, videos, social media sites and downloadable wallpapers, etc. Visit the site and see what the film is all about! — Dave Barak